Ginger Cream Pies

These Ginger Cream Pies are a delightful treat that combines the warm spices of ginger and molasses with a fluffy marshmallow filling. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion, these cookies will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. With their chewy texture and rich flavor, they stand out among traditional desserts, making them an irresistible addition to your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of ginger, molasses, and spices creates a warm, comforting taste that everyone will adore.
• Easy to Make: This recipe simplifies the process of creating delicious cream pies, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just want a sweet treat, these pies fit right in.
• Fun to Customize: You can adjust the spices or frosting flavors to suit your personal taste.
• Chewy Texture: The soft ginger molasses cookies provide a satisfying chew that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these Ginger Cream Pies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make it more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These allow you to combine ingredients effectively without spills.
• Electric mixer: This tool makes whipping up the marshmallow cream easy and fluffy, saving time and effort.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup molasses (cooking or fancy molasses work best)

For the Marshmallow Filling

• 1/3 cup white sugar (or coarse sugar)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup marshmallow cream (about 1/2 of a 7.5-ounce jar)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 – 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk or cream

How to Make Ginger Cream Pies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine:
All-purpose flour
Ground ginger
Cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Ground cloves
Baking soda
Salt

Whisk these dry ingredients together until well blended.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together:
Unsalted butter
Brown sugar

Beat until light and fluffy. Then add:
Egg
Vanilla extract
Molasses

Mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until dough forms.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for about 10 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain soft. Allow them to cool on sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Step 6: Make the Marshmallow Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat:
* Softened butter
* Marshmallow cream

Add salt and gradually mix in powdered sugar until smooth. If needed, add milk or cream to achieve desired consistency.

Step 7: Assemble Ginger Cream Pies

Once cookies are completely cool, spread marshmallow filling on half of the cookies. Top with remaining cookies to create sandwiches.

Enjoy your delicious Ginger Cream Pies!

How to Serve Ginger Cream Pies

Ginger Cream Pies are delightful treats that can be served in various ways. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual dessert, these cookies will be a hit. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

With Hot Beverages

• Tea or Coffee: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy them alongside rich hot chocolate to balance the spiciness of the ginger with sweet creaminess.

As Dessert Platters

• Dessert Charcuterie Board: Arrange Ginger Cream Pies on a board with assorted fruits, nuts, and chocolates for an eye-catching presentation.
• Cookie Sandwich Bar: Set up a fun DIY cookie sandwich station where guests can layer their favorite fillings between two Ginger Cream Pies.

For Special Occasions

• Holiday Parties: These cookies make great additions to holiday cookie trays, bringing festive cheer to any gathering.
• Birthday Celebrations: Surprise someone special by using Ginger Cream Pies as a unique birthday cake alternative.

How to Perfect Ginger Cream Pies

Creating the perfect Ginger Cream Pies requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your ground spices are fresh for maximum flavor. Old spices can lose potency and affect the taste.
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the oven! Remove them when they are just set but still soft; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Experiment with Fillings: While marshmallow cream is traditional, feel free to try other fillings like whipped cream or flavored frosting for variety.

Best Side Dishes for Ginger Cream Pies

Pairing side dishes with Ginger Cream Pies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options that complement their flavors well.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture balances the spiciness of the ginger perfectly.
2. Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp adds a fruity contrast that works wonderfully with the cookies.
3. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel over your pie elevates it to another level of sweetness.
4. Whipped Cream: Simple yet effective, a dollop of whipped cream adds lightness and richness.
5. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a bright, tangy contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
6. Cheese Platter: Offer mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an interesting savory pairing with dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Ginger Cream Pies can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your results. Here are mistakes to watch out for:

• Using stale spices: Freshly ground spices enhance flavor. Always check the freshness of your ground ginger and cinnamon.
• Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a soft texture.
• Incorrect measuring of flour: Too much flour can dry out your cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Skipping chilling time: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking. Make sure to refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Not letting cookies cool properly: They may crumble if you don’t let them cool on the baking sheet first. Allow them to sit for a few minutes before transferring.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Ginger Cream Pies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Ginger Cream Pies

• Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Ginger Cream Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm pies for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one pie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Ginger Cream Pies.

What are Ginger Cream Pies?

Ginger Cream Pies are soft ginger molasses cookies filled with fluffy marshmallow frosting, creating a delicious sandwich cookie.

Can I use different types of molasses?

Yes, both cooking and fancy molasses work well, but fancy molasses will yield a lighter flavor.

How can I customize my Ginger Cream Pies?

You can add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the cookie dough for extra texture and flavor.

How do I ensure my cookies are chewy?

Be careful not to overbake them; they should be set but still soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.

Final Thoughts

Ginger Cream Pies are not just delicious; they’re also versatile and perfect for any occasion. With the option to customize flavors or fillings, these pies can become your go-to dessert. Try making them today!